Bay Area heat advisory issued as feels-like temperatures could reach 110 degrees

TAMPA, Fla. - The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Bay Area and much of west-central Florida on Thursday as dangerous heat and humidity are creating potentially dangerous conditions across the region.

Bay Area heat advisory

What we know:

The heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday for numerous counties across the Bay Area and surrounding communities.

FOX 13 meteorologist Dave Osterberg says high temperatures and oppressive humidity could push heat index values, or "feels-like" temperatures, up to 110 degrees during the hottest part of the day.

The National Weather Service warns that prolonged exposure to the heat could pose a threat to life and property, particularly for people who may be vulnerable or living alone.

Counties included in the advisory include:

• Pinellas County
• Coastal and inland Hillsborough County
• Pasco County
• Coastal and inland Hernando County
• Polk County
• Coastal and inland Sarasota County
• Coastal and inland Manatee County
• Coastal and inland Citrus County
• Sumter County
• Hardee County
• DeSoto County
• Highlands County

Heat safety tips

What you can do:

The National Weather Service recommends residents take the following precautions:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the advisory period.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
• Check on older relatives, neighbors and others who may be vulnerable to extreme heat.

Officials also stress that children and pets should never be left alone inside a vehicle, even for a short period of time, as temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly to deadly levels within minutes.

Weather forecast

What's next:

The heat advisory is scheduled to expire at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and heat advisories as summer conditions intensify across the region.

Tampa